There are many ways to let American troops in the Middle East know that their hard work does not go unnoticed, and that they have our gratitude for doing their job so well.

U.S. soldiers wounded in combat are getting help making the transition back home. Volunteers from a non-profit organization called Soldiers? Angels are sending backpacks to combat support hospitals in Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany.

The bags are filled with personal hygiene items, clothes and get well cards to help soldiers wounded in combat.

Tears of happiness from injured soldiers are a sign these volunteers are doing the job they set out to do.

?I've got some beautiful letters saying how much it meant to them to know people care,? said volunteer Peggy Baker. ?Many tears have been shed by soldiers when they see us and they talk about the fact these were there and couldn't believe there was something waiting for them.? That small token of appreciation goes a long way to brighten the day of soldiers wounded in combat.

?For all of us, every single one of us, it's the best non-paying job we've ever had,? volunteer Liz Fuentes said.

Volunteers stuff clothing, personal hygiene items and other non- perishables into the combat backpacks. They say it's a labor of love. ?Because they need it, because they give me the freedoms to do what I want to do and they need my support,? volunteer Vicky Carter said. Volunteers know first hand their work is appreciated and desperately needed by those who tend the wounded.

Marine Who Vanished in Iraq Heads Home: "A U.S. Marine who disappeared in Iraq and turned up in Lebanon nearly three weeks later said Wednesday that he was in good health and "excited to be going home" as he left a U.S. military hospital in Germany. (AP)"

Baghdad Car bomb kills 11, injures 40: "A suicide attacker detonated a massive car bomb Wednesday at a checkpoint near the British Embassy and the interim Iraqi government's headquarters in Baghdad, killing 11 people and wounding 40, including a U.S. soldier, authorities said."

Philippines pulls troops from Iraq early: "The Philippines said Wednesday it was withdrawing its small peacekeeping contingent from Iraq early to save the life of a kidnapped truck driver, a dramatic turnaround by one of Washington's biggest backers in the war on terrorism."

In race to train Iraq security force, GIs find trust is biggest obstacle: "But Lt. Joaquin Meno of the 1st Infantry Division had even higher hopes as he led the patrol recently into an area where U.S. soldiers have been hectored for weeks. The Iraqi troops bounded out of their trucks and set up a right flank, just as they have been trained. Minutes later Meno did a double take: Several of the Iraqis had tugged their bandanas and kaffiyehs up to their eyes. (Chicago Tribune)"

Inquiry: U.K. Iraq Intelligence 'Flawed': "Iraq had no useable chemical or biological weapons before the war, and British intelligence relied in part on "seriously flawed" or "unreliable" sources, an official inquiry reported Wednesday. (AP)"

Car bomb rocks Baghdad killing 11: "A suicide attacker detonated a massive car bomb Wednesday at a checkpoint near the British Embassy and the interim Iraqi government's headquarters in Baghdad, killing 11 people and wounding 40, including a U.S. soldier, authorities said."

Iraqi Soldiers Save U.S. MarineGood stories are not uncommon, but rarely reported.

By W. Thomas Smith Jr.

?I was walking beside the Marine, then we heard gunfire, and I saw that the American Marine was shot. Then I realized it was just me and him, so I quickly started shooting at the enemy." ? Private Imad Abid Zeid Jassim, Iraqi Civil Defense Corps

Portions of Iraqi Private Imad Abid Zeid Jassim's citation for bravery reads: "...[A]s the firefight ensued, under a hail of enemy fire that was accurately targeted on the wounded [U.S.] Marine, and without regard for his own safety, Private Imad Jassim moved forward into the enemy fire and came to the aid of the wounded Marine. He dragged the wounded Marine out of the line of fire to a covered and concealed position...reengaged the enemy...aggressively pushed forward...dislodged the enemy fighters.... His efforts clearly saved the life of the Marine...."

On the evening of May 30, 2004, Jassim and his fellow members of 4th Platoon, India Company, Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC) were jointly patrolling the streets of Al Karmah, near Fallujah, with leathernecks from 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. All at once, the patrol was ambushed from the rear by enemy insurgents. A U.S. Marine was instantly struck down with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Reacting as they had been trained to do by their U.S. counterparts, the Iraqis swung into action.

Jassim, who was standing closest to the Marine when the latter was hit, immediately returned fire.

Jassim and another private, Kather Nazar Abbas, stopped shooting long enough to begin dragging the American to a position of relative safety. Bullets and at least one rocket-propelled grenade zinged past their heads as they managed to pull the Marine behind a wall. A U.S. Navy medical corpsman rushed forward to render first aid. The Iraqis and the Americans continued battling the enemy force.

The response to the ambush was textbook. "The ICDC ultimately assaulted through the enemy's position and pushed them out," said 2nd Lt. Charles Anklin III, of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.

On Friday, Maj. Gen. James N. Mattis, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, and Col. John A. Toolan, commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 1; decorated the five aforementioned Iraqi soldiers for their "heroic achievement" during an awards ceremony at Camp India in Nassar Wa Salaam. The awards included two Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medals and three Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Each of the medals included combat "V"s for valor.

"You've witnessed the bravery of these soldiers from India Company, who were willing to shed blood with Marines to make sure we get a free Iraq," said Toolan, before a gathering that included Iraqi military leaders and local village sheiks. "The important aspect is that the Coalition and Iraqi forces have worked together, and the bond you see between the ICDC soldiers and Marines has become rock-tight."

Private Jassim added that the firefight created an even stronger bond between Iraqi (ICDC) soldiers and American Marines. Speaking through an interpreter, he said, "I feel very, very bad the Marine was shot because they are like my brothers now, but I'm ready to go out again. I'm always ready."

The ICDC soldiers not only saved the life of an American, but their actions served as an example of the ongoing coordination and positive developing-relations between the U.S. and Iraq. This was good news. It was not an isolated event. Unfortunately, so little of this kind of news ever gets any ink.

This is one of the many "positive" albeit rarely told stories coming out of Iraq, U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson (R., S.C.) told NRO from his Washington office on Saturday.

Wilson believes such stories must receive equal time with the negative ones if the U.S. military is to continue garnering needed support at home and abroad. He should know. A 31-year veteran officer of the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard as well as a current member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, Wilson has recently traveled to both Iraq and Afghanistan as part of congressional delegations. And his keen interest in the futures of both countries is both professional and personal. Wilson has four sons. The oldest three are military officers: Two are serving in the Army. One is in the Navy. The oldest son is currently stationed in Iraq.

Last Thursday, Wilson was part of a group meeting with Iraqi president Ghazi Mashal Ajil al-Yawar; al-Yawar said that there were more representatives of the various news media per capita in Iraq than anywhere else in the world. The Iraqi president added, that may well be the reason there seems to be only "bad news" coming out of Iraq.

"Of course, we want the media there," says Wilson. "But problems arise when there are too many reporters in one place, all in competition with one another, all trying to outdo each other." According to Wilson, there is a growing consensus on both sides of the political fence ? particularly among those who have toured Iraq ? as well as among members of the new Iraqi leadership, that competition for the "big story" is forcing reporters to concentrate on "the ten percent negative stories, while ignoring the 90 percent good, positive stories." That's not only unfair. It's strategically dangerous.

Recalling comments made during a meeting between U.S. Army Gen. John Abizaid and a congressional delegation in Afghanistan, Wilson said, the rejection of good stories by competing media is not just a belief shared by members of the Republican party. "I remember [Democrat] Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee making the comment that 'good news has no legs, and bad news has wings,'" he says. It's simply a reaffirmation of the newsman's clichéd adage, "If it doesn't bleed, it doesn't lead."

That's not to say there aren't important negative stories coming out of Iraq. But there are just as many ? if not more ? important positive stories that could be written about events taking place in that country. Unfortunately, stories about hospitals being renovated, little girls learning the basics of math and science for the first time, or five brave Iraqi men being decorated for saving the life of a wounded American, are not nearly as dramatic as a roadside bombing or an assassination.

? A former U.S. Marine infantry leader and paratrooper, W. Thomas Smith Jr. is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in a variety of national and international publications. His third book, Alpha Bravo Delta Guide to American Airborne Forces, has just been published.

Blair to learn verdict of Iraq intelligence inquiry: "Prime Minister Tony Blair was to learn how much trouble he faces for relying on flawed intelligence to promote the Iraq war when the findings of a long-awaited inquiry are handed over to the government. (AFP)"

Iraqi police launch sweep of Baghdad town: "Iraqi police launched a massive sweep of a Baghdad neighborhood, killing one person and rounding up hundreds of suspected criminals, as the interim president promised to crack down on anyone threatening the country's security."

Iraq's leaders step up with tough talk: "In the span of roughly a week, Iraq's new interim leaders have passed sweeping emergency laws, promised to "crush" troublemakers and use a "very sharp sword" to combat unrepentant insurgents."

Gulf War vets 'felt like enemy': "Troops in the first Gulf War were inoculated with a cocktail of drugs which they believe left them with debilitating illnesses and may have contributed to fatal birth defects, an inquiry has heard."

Pakistani Ambassador Top Envoy to Iraq: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan has selected Pakistan's ambassador to Washington for the job of U.N. envoy to Iraq, replacing a top diplomat who was killed in a Baghdad bombing last year. (AP)"

Filipino Bid To Save Iraq Hostage: "In an appeal to save the life of a Filipino truck driver being held hostage in Iraq, the Philippine government says it is willing to withdraw its troops from Iraq "as soon as possible." Terrorists have demanded a withdrawal by July 20th."

U.S. Civil Affairs soldiers rebuild Iraq: "Sgt. Abubakar Senge walks through the secondary school with his rifle slung across his chest, his helmet hanging off his arm and a notebook in his hand, inspecting the work he hired an Iraqi builder to perform."

Manila Gives Conflicting Signs on Iraq Pullout: "Philippine officials, trying to savethe life of a Filipino hostage, sent confusing signals onTuesday about pulling troops out early from Iraq, whileAustralia said it would bolster its forces. (Reuters)"

Iraq War NewsIraqi authorities seek EU help: "BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - European Union foreign ministers were looking Monday for ways to offer "concrete help" to Iraq's new government in rebuilding the country, two weeks after the United States handed over power in Baghdad."

Marine who vanished in Iraq to return home: "BERLIN (AP) - The U.S. Marine who mysteriously vanished in Iraq and reappeared in Lebanon nearly three weeks later is doing better in a U.S. military hospital in Germany and will likely return home within a few days, officials said Monday."

Baghdad professor inundated with books after request: "JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (AP) - Biology professor Safaa Al-Hamdani wasn't expecting an avalanche of books when he asked colleagues at Jacksonville State University to help his alma mater in Baghdad restock its libraries."

Blair government criticized by ex-spy chief: "LONDON (AP) - A former intelligence chief expressed concern Monday about the relationship between Prime Minister Tony Blair's government and its spy agencies in the build up to the war in Iraq."

Iraqi captors of Filipino hostage extend deadline: "MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippines - still hoping a kidnapped Filipino trucker driver will be released - rejected demands Sunday of the hostage takers for an early troop withdrawal from Iraq."

British government to see Iraq inquiry report Tuesday: "An inquiry into flawed British intelligence on Iraq ahead of the war will present Prime Minister Tony Blair's government with its final report on Tuesday, a day ahead of official publication, a government spokeswoman said. (AFP)"

Iraq report focuses blame on CIA: "Two days before Christmas 2002, with war in Iraq less than three months away, an intelligence analyst at the Department of Energy e-mailed a colleague to complain that the CIA was squelching dissent from those who doubted that Iraq was trying to import uranium and other nuclear weapons components. (USATODAY.com)"

Iraqi government to offer amnesty to insurgents: "LONDON (AP) - Iraqi interim President Ghazi al-Yawer said his government will soon offer an amnesty to those who have fought against the U.S.-led coalition, a British newspaper reported Monday."

Sharon invites Labor Party into coalition: "Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Monday invited the moderate Labor Party into his shaky coalition, and both sides said they expect to agree on a partnership relatively quickly."

Blix Made Last-Minute Plea to Blair on Iraq -Paper: "Former U.N. arms inspector Hans Blixpleaded with British Prime Minister Tony Blair for more time tofind weapons of mass destruction before the U.S.-led invasionof Iraq, the Financial Times reported on Friday. (Reuters)"

Iraq and Syria have agreed to work together to improve border security to try to stop foreign militants infiltrating Iraq. Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, Barham Saleh, says there is agreement on " the necessity to cooperate to prevent [insurgents] from crossing the border ". Mr Saleh was speaking after meeting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. [?] Mr Saleh said Mr Assad spoke of his " interest in the stability " in Iraq, which shares a long desert border with Syria, and said joint Interior Ministry committees would look into setting up security mechanisms. Last week, a British newspaper quoted Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari as saying his government had gathered information from intelligence services showing support by some neighbouring countries for the insurgents. Mr Zebari did not name the foreign powers, but the Sunday Telegraph quoted "senior Iraqi officials" as indicating " that Iran and Syria were the worst offenders ". [?] Last week Mr Assad and Iranian President Mohammad Khatami made a joint call for the rapid departure of foreign troops from Iraq. " This force is in Iraq at Iraqi request. Its departure at this stage would not be useful either for Iraq or for the region. It would be a catastrophe for security ," Mr Saleh said.

Our Visit in Landstuhl on the 18th June 2004 together with Carolyn and Debbie

On the 18th June 2004 Carolyn from Landstuhl, Debbie from Ramstein my husband Rudi and I we were on the way to visit wounded soldiers and marines in LandstuhlRegionalMedicalCenter. At first we met us on the parking area from the Fisher House and made ready our gifts for our heroes. It was greatly that everyone brought along something. The wounded soldiers and marines in Landstuhl need so much things! Debbie a very nice lady from Ramstein, her husband is in Iraq with PAO, had bought a lot of backpacks and candies. Carolyn had a lot of warm sweater with her and I had my bags with me filled with a tee shirt, underpants, socks and greetings cards from a lot of people.

So Carolyn and I we did all that we had in the backpacks from Debbie. And the chocolate which I had with me for the soldiers was not melted this time. Today we had a lot of backpacks for the soldiers and Carolyn, Debbie and I we went from ward to ward to visit our hero and Rudi was going to the Fisher House to give greetings the wounded there.

On the first ward a wounded told us that he has to go back to Iraq if he is recovered. Carolyn asked him if he is interested that any Angel from the Soldiers Angels Foundation adopts him and he gave her his address directly. Another hero told us that he had the luck to go back to States now. He said me that his ancestors were from Germany, Stuttgart and that his last name is typical German (?Schwarz? it means black).An Ohio National Guard soldier told as that he was now after 4 months in Iraq ?here?. He was very weakly as his phone rang he asked me if I could help him to do the telephone receiver on his ear, because his left arm was very badly injured. Carolyn was speaking with a young man he was lying in his bed, too. He could not move himself and he was glad that he could tell someone his story.

Carolyn is a wonderful Angel she finds always the right words to talk to the wounded. So we let her to go to the wounded and we are waiting in front of the room. Often they are so strong wounded that they could not speak so much and she gave them a backpack and calmed them with a few words and they were happy.As we walked over the wards we saw so much sorrow I cannot tell you. Going over the intensive care unit, your heart cried. At the ICU a soldier told us that he has to go further to Walter Reed and that his wife is staying in the Fisher House. For him it was a great thing that his family was here in Germany and he must not stay alone here for recovery.I saw one hero he has lost his right arm and another soldiers in the distant was walking on the arm from a nurse, he has left his right leg. If you see this young men lying in their beds wounded and injured, full of pain you will cry! I hope so much for all the soldiers in Iraq, that this will have fast an end! On very young hero was sitting in his bed and watched TV and was smiling. He was so happy to see Carolyn again. She has given him a backpack already yesterday. He told us that he must go further to Walter Reed for more medical treatment. In another room there was a wounded and a lot of doctors and nurses were standing around him! We all know that this means.

Later we are going out to the bus stop and looked for soldiers they could need a backpack too. I meet there two soldiers are going back to Iraq. SFC C. and SPC R. are waiting for a new trip to the war. Both were in a right mood, I have given them greetings from the Soldiers Angels and told them if they need something they can give me an e-mail. At the next bus stop I saw Soldier T., he is now ready to go back to the war, too. I have met him last week at the ward as we have given every soldier a backpack from the Soldiers Angels.It was good to see him again and to know that he is recovered from his injuries. In the barracks I met three soldiers are talking to Carolyn and they were happy that we had received the last three backpacks for today.

The backpacks are always a good thing. A lot of soldiers have nothing to take there few things back to the States. They looked all so happy as we have given them one. A wounded has nothing as that he has on his body if he arrives in Landstuhl. A filled backpack with things he need is a great thing to do something for them. If anyone interested to send backpacks to Landstuhl look here http://www.soldiersangels.homestead.com/wounded-soldiers-project.html the backpacks are going with an Angel to the wounded directly.

After this we are said good bye to Carolyn and Debbie because we had another appointment in Landstuhl. Wemet CH Young and he wrote me for days "By the way, our Cyber Café room needs a portable telephone (with a cord). I wonder if you have an extra (used) one to spare? This is for the morale purpose and the line is available there all the time."So we visited him in his office and my husband looked which telephone he need. As my husband saw that nearby the Cyber Cafe was a telephone shop from the T-Online/Telekom he looked that the CH could need and bought him one. I cannot tell.... he was so lucky, so he went back fast to tell it the other CH there. It was great to visit him and he introduced us his chiefs: CH Holmstrom, he will be the new Chief of Chaplains Office in Landstuhl and CH McLean will leave the office after 3 years now. My husband was glad that he could help him.

A wounded shy and faintly soldier from Mississippi, 20 years old, married, with a 14 months old girl at home, has given my husband his talisman as he has met him in the Army Fisher House Landstuhl.

I cannot tell you ...I am so with out words!!! SPC G. S. had great injured on his breast and lung! He was a body guard for a commander in Iraq. I have met him in the Fisher House, too, later in the afternoon together with his father. His parents stayed in the Fisher house for the time he was in the hospital. He is so a wonderful young man I cannot tell you! And I know his life has changed for ever for him! He has celebrated his 20th birthday in Iraq. He was so proud to told us that he has travelled in only a few months around the world. God Bless him and his family.

"We're coming with a mighty force to end the reign of your
oppressors," Bush said, addressing Iraqis who might be
listening from afar. "We are coming to bring you food and
medicine and a better life. And we are coming and we will
not stop, we will not relent until your country is free."
We are very proud of you,Keep your helmet on!

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